SAN ANTONIO — Scorpions midfielder Josue Soto makes no apologies: If he had his druthers, he'd still be in Major League Soccer.

But having been forced to regroup in the NASL after his release from Chivas USA, the Scorpions are the best option he could have hoped for after playing for them on loan from Houston during their inaugural season.

“I had a good time, you know?” he said. “My first year, I enjoyed the city. I just had a good time, so I wanted to come back. San Antonio was my first option and luckily I got the chance to be here.”

Soto, 25, made 18 appearances for Chivas last season. But his contract was not renewed after yet another dismal season for the MLS club, leaving Soto free to return to the Scorpions.

Alen Marcina was then-manager Tim Hankinson's assistant in that first season. Now in charge, he jumped at the opportunity to bring back an experienced, versatile player as part of the roster overhaul after their last-place finish during the fall season.

Soto can start virtually anywhere on the wings, including defense. He replaced the suspended Julius James in the lineup last season as the Scorpions earned their first victory of the spring season, 2-1 at Atlanta. Marcina was so impressed that he awarded Soto another start for Saturday's match at defending champion New York.

“He's a clear starter at this level,” Marcina said. “From the first year, I really liked his game. A couple years more experience under his belt as a professional only helped him mature and develop as a player, and now we're reaping the benefits.”